Signs of Dog Mange

"Symptoms and signs of dog mnge include red papules
(bumps), hairless areas and constant itching by your dog. Since
diagnosis is difficult, begin treatment to see if there is any
response. A lime-sulfur dip with a medicated shampoo is the safest
approach. Prescription medications can have side effects in some dogs
and should be used with caution."

Signs of Dog Mange refers to microscopic bugs in the mite
family that burrow under your dogs skin. The mites are too small to be
seen by the naked eye and are often referred to as having a mangy dog.
There are two types of canine mange called Demodectic
Mange and
Sarcoptic
Mange (also called dog scabies).

Canine
Mange in mature dogs should be kept under control by a strong
immune system. Dogs that get mange tend to be young, so their immune
system isn’t fully developed or are older and have a weakened immune
system due to some other cause. Look for other factors that may be the
cause such as cortisone injections (steroids), diabetes, cushings
disease or hypothyroidism.

Puppies with Demodex Mange - Can a dog be born with Mange?

The answer is yes. Almost all puppies are born with mites they acquire
from their mother. The Mange should heal by itself in under one month
if it is demodectic mange and as their immune system matures. Your
veterinarian may recommend a dip such as amitraz for 2 to 4 weeks until
the condition disappears. Clinical signs of dog
mangeonly appear when puppy mange
infestations get larger.

If a dip is not needed, Mange in puppies involves cleaning any
skin lesions during. A natural shampoo such asMange
Mites Shampoo or a medicated shampoo that contains Benzoyl
Peroxide are used.

Symptoms Mange Dogs

Itching since the motion of the mite in and on the skin is
extremely itchy. (intense scratching or itching is a characteristic of
scabies – also knows as sarcoptic mange)

Diagnosis of Signs of Dog Mange

Your veterinarian will scrape your dog’s skin and analyze the sample
under a microscope for mites. The diagnosis for demodectic mange and
sarcoptic mange is based on the type of mite that is found. Cigar
shaped mites are demodectic and round mites are sarcoptic. A skin
scraping for dog
scabies will not always be accurate.

Since diagnosis based on signs of dog mange are only accurate 50% of
the time (mites may have been
removed by your dogs constant scratching leaving only itchy toxins
behind), most owners will treat for mange and see if there is a
reduction in symptoms.

Treatment for the Signs of Dog Mange

Different treatments are used depending on the type of mange your dog
has and the age of the dog.

For younger dogs the mange should heal itself in 6 to 8 weeks. Cases of
several months are not unusual.

Canine Mange Dip

You Veterinarian will often prescribe Paramite dip (an
organophosphate), Mitaban dip (Amitraz), which is not available over
the counter. Mitaban can be particularly toxic to animals. The disease
typically resolves within one month to six months of application of
treatments.

When using a dip such as Paramite or Mitaban wear gloves and
only use in a place with good ventilation. Sponge on the dip for 10
minutes, allowing your dog’s feet to soak in the rinse. Let the dip dry
on the dog. Repeat the process every 2 weeks (read the directions on
the dip carefully). Keep your dog from getting wet between treatments.

You may also use Naturasil
for Pet Mange. This is a way to treat the mange outbreak
without a prescription. It mixes with your dog's normal shampoo making
for easier application. The active ingredient is Lime-sulfur, which is
approved by the
FDA as being safe on mange mites. Veterinary clinics world-wide use
sulfur as a treatment on dogs and puppies.

Treatments should continue for 3 months. There are side effects (most
often seen in puppies) such as tiredness, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness
and an odd walk or gait.

Antihistamine for Itching – Itching can be helped with antihistamines
such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine) with dosage based on your dog’s
weight (1 to 3 milligrams per pound).

If you have more than one pet or dog, you should treat all animals in
the house. Dog products usually cannot be used on cats so check all
labels before using. Also, mites can jump to humans so wash after
handling.

DO NOT use motor oil for Canine Mange. The oil can be toxic if licked
by your pet. DO NOT use corticosteroids Also corticosteroids
(cortisone) may control the itch, but actually lowers immunity to
mites, allowing them to multiply faster.

Your dogs environment should be disinfected to avoid re
infestation from any mites that moved off your dog. Use a
strong disinfectant designed to safely kill any mites in the home such
as Benzarid.
Wash all of your dogs belongings in detergent.

Supplements to Speed Recovery From Dog Mange

After the mange is treated, skin condition can be restored
with a Omega-3
Fatty Acid supplement for dogs. Natural remedies could also be of help
to support overall skin health such as Skin
and Coat Tonic.

To prevent future cases of mange, a natural repellent spray,
that can be safely sprayed on dogs before they go outside may be of
help. One product to consider is Mange
Mites Spray.

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